Shape-memory polymer developed

2010-03-11
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Scientists have developed a polymer that can remember up to four different shapes and revert to each shape according to specific temperatures.

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Scientists have developed a polymer that can remember up to four different shapes and revert to each shape according to specific temperatures.

The technology paves the way for applications in fields ranging from space exploration to biotechnology and the electronics industry.

The shape-memory polymer, a substance known as perfluorosulphonic acid ionomer (PFSA), changes shape to specific stimulus, unlike other polymers that revert to the old shape after changes of certain external stimuli.

These other polymers, which consist of repeating chains of identical molecules, are sensitive to stimluli, including temperature, moisture level, or magnetism.

Any change in direct correlation to any of these factors makes these polymer revert to the shape it had acquired when first subjected to a change in external stimuli.

The above limitation prevented space agency Nasa from using these polymers for deploying antennas and other devices on spacecrafts and satellites. These polymers were also considered to be used in making artificial stents for blood vessels.

The new memory-shifting polymer is unique compared with the other products as it can be assigned to change at four custom temperatures chosen by the manufacturer, which widens its applications and makes it more practical.

Research on PFSA was conducted by General Motors research scientist Tao Xie and the findings are published in the March 10 issue of scientific journal Nature.

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